Baby boom expected after cold December

SNOWED-IN couples are thought to have sparked an Irish “snow baby” boom after lovers found their own way of keeping warm during December’s Big Freeze, experts said last night.

Ireland is expected to echo the birth spike predicted by the National Childbirth Trust parenting charity, which reported a sharp rise in pre-birth antenatal class bookings and enquiries in Britain following the bitter December weather.

Irish relationship counsellors said yesterday they believe this September — nine months after the pre-Christmas snow and ice — will see a baby boom.

The births increase could beat the record near-10% rise in conceptions in England and Wales during the 2009-10 winter — which led to an extra 10,000 babies being born, to the highest level since monthly records began.

The most recent year for which Central Statistics Office Ireland has released birth statistics is 2008, when 73,996 babies were born.

Ireland suffered atrocious December weather and Irish sex therapists predicted a birth boom after couples shunned the cold outdoors in favour of fun indoors.

Therapist Marie O’Connor, based in Cork, said: “There’s a huge possibility that the number of births will increase after the very cold December weather.

“When a couple are unable to get to work and unexpectedly spend the day together, there’s the possibility for something to happen. Staying indoors rather than going out in the cold is a more attractive option.”

Paula Hall, a spokeswoman for sex and relationship counsellors Relate and a sexual and relationship psychotherapist, said: “The cold weather in December meant couples who couldn’t get to work suddenly had unplanned time on their hands — with snuggling up in bed much more appealing than going out.

“Evidence has shown birth rates increase after a cold spell, and this could quite possibly be the case in September.” Phillip Hodson, spokesman for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy — Europe’s largest counselling and psychotherapy organisation — predicted a “significant” birth rate rise.

“When we are cold and the climate is hostile, couples huddle together for warmth under the duvet — and one thing leads to another,” he said.

“Making a cosy nest for two is a way of defying the elements.

“There is the potential for a significant increase in births nine months after the very cold December.”